France has a long and proud horse riding tradition. The 17th and 18th centuries in France are known as the Golden Age of Equitation, with horse riding developing as part of aristocratic culture.France still bears the legacy of this, with a multitude of trail rides and bridleways (known as randonnées) criss-crossing the country. The trails in France tend not to be on modern roads and take you from cobbled village to mighty châteaux, via beautiful, unspoilt countryside! Many of our Siblu parks are near riding schools, but La Pignade in Charente-Maritime takes it one step further as it has its own riding school on-site Horse riding is a superb form of exercise for both body and mind – and a wonderful way to relieve stress. It taxes both your balance and coordination, and sitting in the saddle will really work those abdominals! |
La Pignade is situated in Charente-Maritime, within a pine forest beside the beautiful Marennes Estuary. It has its own on-site horse riding centre, l’Etrier Ronçois (Le Palomino), where you can ride both horses and ponies. The forests don’t just offer wonderful horse riding routes – the ponies at La Pignade live in an area set aside for the park. Visitors can explore the forest on foot and say hello! The centre offers lessons for beginners and advanced riders, and for very young children there are pony walks. |
The beautiful scenery of Charente-Maritime is perfectly suited to travelling on horseback. While La Pignade is currently the only Siblu park with an on-site riding centre, our other parks in Charente-Maritime, Les Charmettes & Bonne Anse Plage, are only a short drive from local riding schools. Similarly, La Réserve in Aquitaine is only 5km from an a riding centre. We recommend asking at the park reception when you arrive for the most up to date information. You can also find out more about any current partnerships between your Siblu park and local riding schools. Another great choice for riding fans is Domaine de Dugny, our holiday park in the heart of the Loire Valley World Heritage site. The River Loire snakes its way through the valley, its banks dotted with magnificent châteaux such as Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire and Chenonceau. What could be better than slowly riding along with this kind of scenery on offer? In the past, our holidaymakers at Domaine de Dugny have enjoyed using the facilities at Les Ecuries Florent Viet, a renowned local equestrian centre. Set just beside the ancient town of Blois, the centre hires horses and offers lessons for riders of all abilities, from absolute beginners through to budding show jumpers. Ask at reception for more up to date information about riding in the Loire Valley and any current partnerships. |